1
Choose a Rug With Character
Phil Crozier
2
Bring in Decorative Lamps
Reid Rolls
Overhead lighting can be too harsh and lack ambiance — that’s why living room lamps are so important. Take note from Sarah Tract Interiors and find fixtures that double as decor.
Photo by: Reid Rolls
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3
Go Dark on the Walls and Ceiling
Brian Wetzel Photo
Enter this moody media room that feels calm, relaxed and romantic. Designer Krystal Reinhard of Old Soul Design Studio paints the walls a dark gray, wallpapers the ceiling in a complementary tone and hangs a black-out shade perfect for movie night.
Photo by: Brian Wetzel
4
Give Your Walls Texture
Harlow and Thistle
In a simple DIY project, this blogger installs peel-and-stick fluted panels to the lower half of her walls. Then, paints everything a soothing blue-green. A tan leather couch creates some much-needed contrast.
See more at Harlow and Thistle »
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5
Embrace a Wood Ceiling
Kirsten Francis
This light-filled living space is ideal for enjoying morning coffee or casual conversation. The rustic wood-paneled ceiling pairs beautifully with a vintage Persian rug, oak coffee table and large white sectional, expertly chosen by Samantha Stathis-Lynch, founder of Samantha Ware Designs.
Photo by: Kirsten Francis
Entire Home: Inside a 1907 New Jersey Tudor
6
Create an Accent Wall
NativeHouse Photography
The fireplace is already a focal point, but take it a step further by decorating the wall behind it. Here, Kristen Keyes Interiors goes for a geometric wallpaper and paints the backs of the bookcases a rusty red. Colorful art above the mantel is a chic finishing touch.
Photo by: NativeHouse Photography
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7
Draw Inspiration From Nature
The Painted Hive
When working with timber wall paneling, designer Kristine Franklin decided to embrace a nature-inspired style. Think lush greenery and natural textures, like rattan and wood. An over-size wall hanging of a forest draws the look together and takes advantage of the high ceilings.
See more at The Painted Hive »
8
Create Contrast With Dark Accents
Courtesy of Galey Alix
This chic living space feels bright, despite its many dark accents (a velvet gray sofa, black walls and partially paneled ceiling). Designer Galey Alix strikes a balance with light flooring, textured coffee table and two large mirrors on the far wall.
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9
Go Maximalist
inside stories
10
Blend Boho With Modern
Design by Silo Studios, Photo by Marc Mauldin
Don’t stick to one design style. In this bright living room, Silo Studios pairs a modern sofa and a timeless checkerboard area rug with whimsical accents, like a pair of wood lounge chairs and an abstract throw.
Photo by: Marc Mauldin
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11
Try a High-Gloss Paint
Designed by Diane Rath, The Rath Project. Photography by Erin Kestenbaum
12
Weave in Organic Textures
Jenna Sue Design
Inspired by Spanish and Mediterranean styles, this calming living space is defined by natural textures — from the wood beam ceiling and plaster fireplace to decorative accents, like a distressed area rug, rattan armchairs and faux greenery.
See more at Jenna Sue Design »
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13
Don’t Stick to One Design Style
Sonya Sellers Photography
14
Hang Large Artwork Over the Sofa
Sugar and Cloth
Draw the eye upward by hanging large-scale art over the sofa, which works particularly well when you’ve got 10-foot (or taller) ceilings. An area rug with similar shades ties the room together.
See more at Sugar & Cloth »
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15
Make It Warm and Moody
Studio DIY
16
Wallpaper the Ceiling
Bless’er House
This cozy media room, equipped with a hidden motorized movie screen, is defined by dark blue-green walls and a spruce forest wallpaper on the ceiling. The sunburst light fixture adds a dramatic final touch.
SHOP WALLPAPER
See more at Bless’er House »
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17
Let Art Flank a TV
Sonya Sellers Photography
18
Make Your Own Light Fixtures
Alice and Lois
If your living room is lacking a statement light fixture, but you don’t want to deal with electrical wires — here’s a solution for you. This blogger hangs wicker baskets from the ceiling, and secures wireless LED lights inside.
See more at Alice & Lois »
SHOP WICKER BASKETS
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19
Experiment With Touches of “Grandma Core”
Bless’er House
“Grandma core,” a style that celebrates the charm and coziness you might find in a grandma’s home, is big on TikTok. Weave in touches of this trend, whether it’s adding fringe to your sofa or an antique tapestry on the wall.
See more at Bless’er House »
20
Play With Pattern
Brian Wetzel
Lean into pattern, from drapes and throw pillows to furniture, like accent chairs and ottomans. Take note from Sarah Storms of Styled by Storms and maintain a color palette so the patterns don’t clash.
Photo by: Brian Wetzel
Monique Valeris is the home design director for Good Housekeeping, where she oversees the brand’s home decorating coverage across print and digital. Prior to joining GH in 2020, she was the digital editor at Elle Decor. In her current role, she explores everything from design trends and home tours to lifestyle product recommendations, including writing her monthly column, “What’s in My Cart.”
Alyssa Gautieri (she/her) is the associate lifestyle editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers all things home and interior design. Prior to joining GH in 2022, she wrote for publications including ELLE Decor, Chairish, BobVila.com, Unique Homes Magazine and LODGING Magazine, in addition to crafting product copy for home brands like BrylaneHome and VIGO Industries.
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